Personal choices are a driving force for systemic change — In the climate debate, systems-level change and individual action are often pitched as opposite approaches. While systemic change focuses on achieving broad societal shifts, such as alternative economic models to capitalism, individual action advocates for driving change through personal decisions. A common argument against the individual action framework is that…

The four-day adventure takes you to the edge of dizzying sea cliffs. — The moment the boat drops off our small group of walkers at Denmans Cove in the Tasman National Park, I know I'll be in for a treat these next four days. The vessel can't get close enough to the shore to provide a dry landing, so we take off our…

G’day from a German expat living in Down Under — Hi Globetrotters. My name is… Andrea Hoymann. I love to travel because… of the sense of perspective it provides. No matter how stressful life gets, leaving the daily routine behind for even a weekend reminds me of what is truly important: exploring new places, experiencing different cultures and meeting people…

A self-experiment in managing focus in the information age — The movement is a reflex. As soon as we pause the Netflix show for a quick bathroom and snack break, my hand wanders to my phone, sitting at the ready on the sofa armrest. Within seconds I am scrolling through my Instagram feed, looking at pictures and reels — but…

Henry Spira pressured corporate giants and governments to change widespread lab testing practices. — Working in activism and advocacy is tricky. Progress is often painfully slow, and no matter if you work as an individual or are part of a grassroots organization, there are days when it’s hard to remain hopeful and believe that your efforts have a meaningful impact. After all, how much…

From Germany’s Ruhr Valley to the Hunter Valley in Australia. Why structural change needs to look different in countries with a colonial past. — I grew up in a mining city in Germany right in the heart of the Ruhr Valley — an amalgamation of municipalities that make up the largest urban area in the country. Germans often refer to this region as der Kohlenpott, literally meaning the coal bucket, in a nod to…

The 3 principles I used to free myself from excess stuff without making it a burden on the planet — Moving house is one of the rare occasions in life when we are brought face to face with the reality of all our belongings — right down to the contents of the bottom kitchen drawer. After a few days of wrapping Ikea glasses and packing boxes, I was ready to…

Could B2B brand activism tell the stories and provide the funding to counter the influence of the mining lobby? — Mining and fossil fuel extraction equal jobs. It’s an argument we hear all the time in debates about transitioning to net-zero emissions in fossil fuel exporting economies worldwide despite the fact that the data tells an entirely different story. In Australia, my chosen home, the fossil fuel sector employs less…

This article is based on my personal research and experience in making the switch to more ethical banking in Australia. It is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. You should always seek financial advice that is tailored to your personal situation and needs. Choosing where…